There's no tip-toeing around the fact that UFC 87 is one of the most star-studded cards the MMA world has been treated to all year. The main card, specifically, provides both compelling match ups and a variety of weight class battles. For example, the five televised fights will represent all but one weight class (205 lbs.). Throw in a title fight, an ex-WWE wrestlers, and two of the world's top lightweight talents, and you have all the makings for an absolutely blockbuster night.
It will all start with a bout between Demian Maia and Jason MacDonald. The Brazilian and the Canadian are both submission wizards, having each won submission of the night honors on two separate occasions. On this night, however, only one will be able to win the award. Obviously, you can expect this fight to fly to the ground, where each man thinks he is the better fighter. It should be Maia, the former ADCC champion who ends up taking charge. The Base Pick: Maia, submission in round 2.
The next fight on the card, Manny Gamburyan and Rob Emerson, should be just the opposite. Gamburyan, the formerly injured TUFer and judo star (Parisyan's little cousin), can hang on the ground, but he likes to pound it out with the best of them. Emerson recently won a split decision against Nakamura, but was obviously the better fighter, at least in this blogger's humble opinion. This should stay on the feet with little action until a judo throw ends Emerson's night early. The Base Pick: Gamburyan, TKO in round 1.
What to do with Lesnar vs. Herring? The sexy pick is Lesnar, who should be much improved and much matured since his loss to Frank Mir. The smart pick, however, is Herring, who has had over 40 professional fights. To Lesnar's credit, he's agreed not to take easy fights. It's a credible ethic, but one which will ultimately see him being defeated again. The Base Pick: Herring, unanimous decision.
In one of the most anticipated lightweight bouts of the year (second to Penn/Sherk), Kenny Florian and Roger Huerta do battle in a match of the most evenly paired opponents in recent history. The odds about even on this one, and each man has about as many ways to win as the other. If it goes to a decision, it'll be Huerta. Florian's only chance is to apply a submission sometime during the three rounds. By the way, these will be the quickest and most exciting three rounds we've seen all year. The Base Pick: Huerta, unanimous decision.
The night could have ended with Florian/Huerta and fans would have been satisfied. But to our collective enjoyment, we get a welterweight title fight as well. Jon Fitch will be the toughest test Georges St. Pierre has had since the first time he faced Matt Hughes. Fitch is competent on the ground, on the feet, or wherever the fight may take him. However, GSP is probably just a little bit better in all those categories. Fitch will need to pull a Serra if he wants this one. Sorry, Jon. The Base Pick: St. Pierre, TKO in round 1.
